Which C4H10O Alcohols Do Not React with K2Cr2O7?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the reactivity of C4H10O alcohols with K2Cr2O7, specifically focusing on which alcohols do not undergo oxidation. The scope includes theoretical considerations of alcohol classification and reactivity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that tertiary alcohols do not react with K2Cr2O7, while secondary alcohols can be oxidized, indicating a potential for only one alcohol to remain unoxidized.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the original question, proposing that it may involve counting all possible alcohols with the given formula and determining their oxidation states.
  • A later reply reiterates the uncertainty regarding the question's intent and suggests that clarifying the question may help in understanding it better.
  • Another participant notes that the molecular formula indicates no rings or unsaturation, recommending the drawing of isomers to analyze their reactivity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the original question and its requirements. There is no consensus on the number of alcohols that do not react with K2Cr2O7, and multiple viewpoints regarding the classification and reactivity of alcohols are presented.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific definitions of the alcohols being considered and does not resolve the mathematical or chemical reasoning behind the oxidation process.

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Question

How many alcohols do not react with [tex]K_2Cr_2O_7[/tex]? Alcohols have the molecular formula [tex]C_4 H_{10} O.[/tex]

Attempt at solution

[tex]K_2Cr_2O_7[/tex] is an oxidazing agent. The tertiary alcohol cannot be oxidised with it, but you can oxidise secondary alcohols (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxidation_of_secondary_alcohols_to_ketones). I think other molecules can be oxidized. So the amount of oxidised alcohols is one.
 
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Not sure what the question really asks. Perhaps they want you to count all possible alcohols with a given formula and check, how many will be oxidised and how many will not?
 
Borek said:
Not sure what the question really asks. Perhaps they want you to count all possible alcohols with a given formula and check, how many will be oxidised and how many will not?

Thanks! I clarified the question. Hopefully, it is now easier to understand.
 
The formula indicates that there are no rings or unsaturation. Draw every isomer of this compound and use what you know.
 

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